Weight-loss jab boom brings needles warning for recyclers
Recycling centers are reporting an increase in dangerous used needles found in household waste, largely attributed to the popularity of injectable weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro. Industry experts warn that these items pose a significant health risk to workers who handle waste on sorting lines.
Why it matters
Improper disposal of medical waste creates severe safety hazards for sanitation workers and highlights the need for better public awareness regarding clinical waste management.
Image caption, Recycling bosses say used needles are increasingly being found among household waste
West Midlands science, environment and rural affairs correspondent Published 9 minutes ago The boom in injectable weight-loss drugs , such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, is leading to more used needles turning up at recycling centres, putting workers at risk of serious injury and infection, bosses say.
At a recycling plant in Coventry, I watched staff sorting rubbish on a fast-moving conveyor belt when a crushed yellow sharps container suddenly appeared among the waste.
"A resident has put this in a wheelie bin," explained supervisor Paul Pagett.
"It then gets crushed by the recycling vehicle and then it comes to us open and obviously we've got needles then falling out onto the line putting my guys at risk."
The sharps box should never have been there.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in